Obituary for Russell D. Chase

Russell Delmer Chase was born on May 27, 1924 and passed in peace March 6, 2017 at age 92 in Oceanside, Ca. Preceded in death by wife Shirley Chase and daughter Sandi Chase-Russell. He is survived by 4 children: Dennis Chase, Bradley Chase, Debra Wetherald, and Howard Chase, his 6 grandchildren, and 7 great-grandchildren, and 2 brothers Robert Chase and Donald Chase.

Russ was born in Alberta Canada to Hely and Audrey Chase. He was raised in St. Joseph, Michigan. Russ served bravely in World War II and when returned home, married the love of his life, Shirley Evans, in 1945. Working as a Service manage for IBM he raised his family of five in Illinois. Russ and Shirley retired in Laguna Hills, CA. Russ was active in his 447th Bomb group, American Legion, and Laguna Woods security. Service to our Lord was a great priority to Russ, who taught classes, ushered, and worked as a mentor for Saddleback Church. He loved photography, spending time with friends and family, bible study, and traveling. He will be remembered for his optimistic personality, incredible dance skills, and coined phrase “Somewhere between outstanding and excellent”.

His visitation will be held on Thursday, April 6, 2017 5-9 pm, and the memorial service will be held on Friday April 7, 2017 at 10:00 am, both at McCormick and Sons Mortuary in Laguna Hills, to be followed at 2:00 pm by the military graveside service at the Riverside National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers please make memorial donations to Simaritan's Purse, Salvation Army, or a charity of choice.

JOHN BADGLEY

DEAN DAVISSON

Davisson, Dean

Knott's Berry Farm's first Director of Public Relations, Dean Davisson, died peacefully at his home in Laguna Woods on October 26, 2014. He was 92 years old.

Dean was synonymous with Knott's Berry Farm during his eighteen years there. Dean was recently honored at Knott's where he autographed books about the park and later appeared for a panel discussion about the "good old days" at the Farm.

Dean, the youngest of three boys, was born April 25, 1922 in Eads, Colorado. Dean joined the U.S. Navy in 1942 and served in both World War II and the Korean War. He was released from active duty in 1948 as a Lieutenant Commander.

After the war, Dean settled in Southern California where he earned his Bachelors Degree from Pepperdine University. He married Beverly Asire in 1948. They had three children: Gary, born 1950, and identical twin girls, Diann and Darla 1953. Gary and Darla have both predeceased their father. Diann lives in Huntington Beach with her wife of 38 years, Terry Eselun.

Dean met Walter Knott, the founder of Knott's Berry Farm, while working for the Long Beach Chamber of Commerce and the Long Beach Board of Realtors. Walter's son, Russell Knott, hired Dean on the spot when he saw his resume. Knott's thrived under Dean's leadership.

In 1976 Dean left Knott's Berry Farm to fulfill a lifelong dream of running for the California State 69th Assembly District. He came in a respectable third out of a field of eight hopefuls.

Out of a job, Dean opened his own Public Relations firm with an office in Fullerton. The business flourished as Dean lent his expertise to various trade organizations. Dean retired in 1996 and was named Executive Director Emeritus of the National Institute of Pension Administrators Educational Foundation.

Dean was a dedicated volunteer. His positive energy and zest for life, combined with his extensive knowledge, was a boon to many groups. Dean has received many awards for his community service. The American Cancer Society, the Lincoln Club, the Tustin Rotary International, the National Alliance of Businessmen to name a few. One of his most favorite assignments, however, was his time serving as a teacher's helper for eleven years for the first grade class at San Joaquin Elementary School in Laguna Hills.

Dean divorced his first wife, Beverly, in 1983 and soon after he married Shirley Talpas who died in 2000. He married Georgette Hirschberg on November 1, 2002. Dean is survived by his beloved wife Georgette; his daughter, Diann; his daughter-in-law, Terry Eselun; his grandson, Rusty Espinoza and his wife, Tamrah; along with four great grandchildren.

Dean has had many careers and countless adventures, but he will be remembered in our hearts as the most loving, most generous, and sweetest man we've ever known.

A memorial service and lunch will be held on November 13, 2014, Thursday at 11:30 am in Laguna Woods, Clubhouse #1. The American Legion will do a special flag presentation.